The 1964 Lincoln Continental stands as one of the defining American luxury cars of the mid-1960s, known for its clean slab-sided styling, formal presence, and the unmistakable rear-hinged rear doors that still set it apart today. Owners tend to approach these cars with a strong eye for presentation, ride character, and proper proportions. Tire fitment is straightforward, with the 1964 Lincoln Continental using a 9.15-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim across all models. That simplicity shifts the decision toward selecting the right period-style tire look and brand rather than sorting through multiple factory fitments. For restoration-minded use and confident road manners, wheel condition and overall tire setup still deserve a careful check before installation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Lincoln Continental
The 1964 Lincoln Continental uses one primary tire size: 9.15-15. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and that same size is used across all models, so the main decision is not which size fits but which tire choice best suits the car’s appearance, brand preference, and intended road use.
The 9.15-15 size is a numeric bias-ply designation in which 9.15 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches and 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1964 Lincoln Continental, this format preserves the construction style and overall visual character associated with a full-size American luxury car of the period. Buyers looking at this size are usually weighing period-style presentation and traditional fitment character rather than choosing between multiple factory sizes. It is the right starting point for keeping the car’s stance, wheel diameter, and vintage tire profile in the proper conversation.
Fitment is unusually simple on the 1964 Lincoln Continental because all covered models share the same primary tire size. That consistency means the key task is confirming the car still has the correct 15-inch wheel setup before choosing a tire.
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1964 Lincoln Continental All Models
All Models use the same 9.15-15 bias-ply fitment, so there is no sub-model split to sort through before selecting tires. That makes the decision more about maintaining the proper vintage construction and choosing a tire that suits the car’s restoration goals and road use.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about 1964 Lincoln Continental tires usually center on the 9.15-15 size, 15-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply construction, restoration-minded appearance, and the checks worth making before putting a big vintage luxury car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Lincoln Continental?
The 1964 Lincoln Continental uses a 9.15-15 tire. This is the primary fitment for the model and it is a bias-ply size, which matches the sizing convention and tire construction commonly associated with a large American luxury car from this period.
Because there is only one primary size, the real selection issue is choosing the right tire within that fitment rather than sorting through different factory sizes. It still makes sense to confirm that the car retains its 15-inch wheels and that wheel condition, clearance, and overall vehicle setup have not been altered over the years.
What size rim does a 1964 Lincoln Continental use?
The 1964 Lincoln Continental uses a 15-inch rim with its 9.15-15 tire size. That 15-inch measurement refers to the wheel diameter the tire is built to mount on, which is the critical starting point when replacing tires on the car.
Wheel diameter should always be confirmed on the actual vehicle before purchase, especially on older collector cars that may have seen wheel changes during restoration or long-term ownership. A tire with the correct overall style but the wrong rim diameter will not mount properly, so checking the wheel itself matters just as much as knowing the tire size.
Do all 1964 Lincoln Continental sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1964 Lincoln Continental uses the same 9.15-15 bias-ply tire size across all models covered here. That makes fitment much more straightforward than vehicles that split tire sizes by trim, package, or wheel option.
Even with shared fitment, it is still smart to inspect the car before choosing tires. Collector vehicles are often modified, and a change in wheel diameter or width can affect what should be ordered. On an unmodified car, the focus usually shifts from fitment differences to selecting the tire appearance and construction that best matches the owner’s goals.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 9.15-15 tire for a 1964 Lincoln Continental?
Start with the correct size and construction. A 1964 Lincoln Continental uses a 9.15-15 bias-ply tire, so the first priority is keeping the proper 15-inch fitment and deciding whether the goal is a traditional period-style presentation or a general road-use replacement within that vintage size format.
After size is confirmed, compare the tire’s appearance and how it suits the car’s role. A Continental restored for shows may call for a different visual presentation than one driven more regularly. Wheel condition, suspension condition, and the vehicle’s current setup should also be checked so the chosen tire matches both the car’s look and its real-world use.
How do I choose between the available 9.15-15 tires for a 1964 Lincoln Continental?
Choosing between 9.15-15 tires for a 1964 Lincoln Continental comes down to staying within the correct size while comparing construction style, visual presentation, and the type of use the car will see. Since all models share the same primary fitment, the decision is more about tire character than sub-model fitment differences.
A car aimed at a restoration-oriented appearance may lead toward a tire that preserves a more traditional look, while a regularly driven car may place more emphasis on overall condition and compatibility with the existing wheels. It also helps to inspect for previous modifications, because wheel changes and ride-height changes can affect how any vintage-size tire sits on the car.
What should I compare when selecting tires for a 1964 Lincoln Continental?
The most important comparison points are the correct 9.15-15 size, bias-ply construction, and compatibility with the car’s 15-inch wheels. Once those basics are in place, the next factors are how the tire complements the Continental’s large formal body and whether the visual style suits a restoration-minded or regularly driven car.
It is also wise to compare the condition of the wheels and the overall vehicle setup before making a final choice. A vintage Lincoln can have old suspension components, prior wheel swaps, or body and alignment issues that influence tire clearance and wear. Matching the tire to the actual car is just as important as matching the tire to the catalog size.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Lincoln Continental?
For a period-style 1964 Lincoln Continental, the natural starting point is the original-style 9.15-15 bias-ply fitment. That size and construction preserve the visual proportions associated with a mid-1960s full-size Lincoln and keep the tire conversation aligned with the car’s formal, restoration-oriented character.
Appearance-focused buyers should think about how the tire supports the overall finish of the car, from stance to sidewall presentation. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque references or restoration documentation for the specific car. For many owners, though, staying with the proper size and vintage construction is the most important first step.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1964 Lincoln Continental restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters noticeably on a 1964 Lincoln Continental restoration. This is a large, highly styled car, and the wrong size or wrong wheel diameter can change its visual balance quickly. Using the proper 9.15-15 bias-ply fitment helps keep the car’s stance and period character in the right range.
Fitment also affects more than appearance. A vintage luxury car should be checked for wheel condition, suspension wear, and any past modifications before new tires go on. Even when the correct size is known, the restored car still benefits from verifying that the wheels are sound and that the tire sits properly within the existing setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Lincoln Continental?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Lincoln Continental even though the primary size is straightforward. The car uses a 9.15-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, but aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowered ride height, or body work can all change how that tire fits and clears.
Any Continental that has been restored, customized, or updated over the years deserves a hands-on check before tire selection. Wheel diameter and width should be confirmed, and steering and fender clearance should be reviewed as well. That extra inspection is especially important on big collector cars, where small setup changes can have a visible effect.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Lincoln Continental on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 Lincoln Continental on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, make sure the tires are mounted on the correct 15-inch rims, and look over the suspension and steering for looseness that could affect tire wear or handling. Tire pressure and valve condition also deserve attention.
A vintage car that has spent long periods parked should also be checked for sidewall cracking on any older spare, air-loss issues, and signs of rubbing once the new tires are installed. A short test drive followed by another inspection can reveal clearance issues or mounting concerns early, before the car is taken on a longer outing.
How should 9.15-15 tires on a collector 1964 Lincoln Continental be maintained?
9.15-15 tires on a collector 1964 Lincoln Continental should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and periodic review of how the car sits after storage. Low-use collector cars often age their tires through time and storage conditions more than mileage.
Good storage habits help preserve the tires as well as the car. Keeping the Continental away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can reduce premature aging, and moving the car periodically can help avoid long-term flat spotting. Before any highway drive, inspect the full set closely rather than assuming low mileage means the tires are road-ready.
